GARDEN DESIGN PROCESS​

info@gardendesignbylois.com 
 07985447711

First contact
Phone or email to arrange a convenient time for me to visit, either evening or daytime appointments are available.

​Initial Meeting
I will visit the client and their garden, we will discuss what styles and tastes they have and what type of budget, so we can take this in to consideration when choosing materials and plants for the design.
  I would be able to provide a quote for what service you require after I have obtained a estimated  size of the garden.

The location, height and spread of existing trees will be
recorded, along with any other plants which may prove useful. TPOs will be noted.  Any existing items to be kept for example, sheds or mature plants, will be measured and included in the site survey. Although I normally undertake these surveys myself, for larger
​ gardens or those with difficult circumstances,
 I may recommend a professional surveyor visit the site for this
stage. This will be quoted as a separate fixed fee.

Designing The Garden

Design Brief
After the site survey, I will use what we have discussed in the initial meeting to write up a design brief.  This will be referred to throughout the design process.

Family Garden 'Layout Plan'

Garden Construction
Once the design plan is complete, you will be able to obtain a quote from my recommend local landscaper Phil, listed in my contacts page. 
(If you wish to source your own landscaper ​we can discuss your options). I have worked closely with my recommend landscaper Phil
and have built up a good professional relationship with him. Throughout the build I pride myself on my communication skills and so if there are any adjustments needed during the build, I’ll work with them to resolve it.

Project management of the build
I will make site visits during the build, as a general check-up how the build is moving on. If you would prefer project management, I will liaise with my landscaper Phil to produce a written schedule of work showing what has been booked in on what dates. This will be used to report back to you, the client, on a weekly or base on progress. Project management incurs an additional charge which would need to be agreed at the
​ initial contract stage. 

 
A free quote for any of the above services will be given
​before any work commences.

 Planting Design
&
    Renovation of Existing Planting

This is a great way of sprucing up a planted area which just needs some love and attention. A consultation is required for me to clearly understand your requirements. This could also save you money in the long run, as I would be advising you on which plants would best suit your gardens soil and aspect; making the planting combinations tailor made for your garden.

Once I have ascertained your planting requirements, an estimate
​can be given. The planting plan, shows the position and
quantity of plants required, can be for just a small area or the
whole garden. An elevation or an isometric drawing can be drawn to show visually how the design will look once the plants are fully established.

   Isometric drawing 

I can also provide a written maintenance plan upon visiting you at home for a consultation. A charge is made for this. I can teach you new gardening skills e.g. How to prune correctly or how to grow your own vegetables. This would enable you to gain knowledge on how to maintain your own garden, helping you become a more confident gardener.

   Site Survey & Analysis

Before any design work can begin, a properly drawn up site survey and analysis is undertaken to enable me to professionally draw up a scaled design. The survey will consist of exact measurements of the garden, with detailed notation of features which include any level changes, drains, access points, boundaries, window /door dimensions . And any existing structures or plants you wish to retain within the design.

Photos will be taken of the views from different viewpoints within the garden and from the house from both downstairs and upstairs. This will help me understand what areas are mostly seen from the house helping me to connect the garden with the house which is a important element within a successful design. I will also look at privacy issues, such as the relationship of the garden to the neighbouring houses and gardens.

The gardens aspect will be noted together with, micro-climates within the garden, prevailing winds will all be taken into account.
Also soil tests will be taken to discover what the pH level of the soil is, which soil structure the garden has and what type of soil improvements are needed. These are all important as they influence the plant selection.

Garden Design Plan
 I will start to design your new garden in a very loose form. So that we both know the direction I am working to. I will present this once I have the design I believe you are looking for. At this stage, I may also show  you with a mood board this will have selection of photographs that will give you a feel for what I am proposing.  

If you are happy with the design, I will then continue with the design plan to its final stages. The final design plan shows the garden layout with suggested materials as well as perspective drawings enabling you to see how the garden will look from certain viewpoints, this can be especially useful if you are not used to reading layout plans. 

Construction Details
Construction drawings and details may be required on some projects to accompany the layout plan. These may include details of garden structures, sections showing level changes, water feature or pergolas.

Construction details of a pond lining

Planting Plan
On the approval of the design plan, I can then progress to the planting plan this will show the position and quantity of plants required. Each planting plan is designed to suit your needs, location and garden style, it can be for just one bed or border or a whole garden. An elevation or an isometric drawing can be drawn to show visually how the
design will look once the plants are fully established. It will ensure interest all year round, not only visually but also through scent and touch. A booklet is provided with the planting scheme. This shows color photos of the plants along with a general guide on plant care as well as information on height, flowering and other relevant information.

Planting plan & Elevation drawing

Elevation Drawing

       Planting services 
       include the following

 Planting of:
- Tree / Hedges.
- Shrubs, climbers and roses. 
- Perennials, ferns, grasses.
- Palms and tropical.
- Topiary.
- Bulb planting. 
- Pots / Window boxes / Balconies & roof gardens. 
- Irrigation systems. 
- Mulching and composting.  
- Trellis work and plant support structures.

On approval of the planting plan, I will liaise with my landscaper Phil to provide a quote for the plant cost, planting labor and any soil preparation needed before we can begin the job, 
​After planting, I provide a handy booklet with a copy of the planting plan, color photos of the plants with relevant information about them and a general guide on their aftercare.